Chelsea have passed up on the chance to sign Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho following his loan spell and will pay a £5 million penalty for not undertaking their obligation to buy.
However, according to the Independent, Sancho could be offered an escape route with Bayer Leverkusen interested in signing him.
Sancho enjoyed two successful spells with Borussia Dortmund, and Leverkusen will believe he can rekindle that spark in Germany.
Sancho registered 40 goals and 54 assists in 118 Bundesliga appearances. A move back to Germany could help him rediscover his form.
Leverkusen are about to lose Florian Wirtz, who is seemingly close to joining Liverpool in a blockbuster deal, and Sancho is a potential option to replace the German playmaker.
Despite returning to Man Utd, Sancho will not remain at the club beyond this summer. The Red Devils plan to sell him to boost their coffers as they prepare for a massive overhaul.
Sancho’s departure leaves Chelsea light on the flanks. They must enter the market for a top-class forward, especially with Mykhailo Mudryk in limbo regarding his doping case.
Chelsea have been linked with Rodrygo, but he would be an expensive operation, with Real Madrid set to demand around €100 million to let him go.
Joao Pedro has also been linked with the club, although he is more of a roaming forward than the touchline winger that manager Enzo Maresca is likely looking for.
Interest in Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho has seemingly cooled, but Chelsea will be scouring the market.
Chelsea have not looked at Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who has seen his playing time limited by the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
Barcola would cost less than Rodrygo and fits the profile of what the Blues need better than Pedro. The Blues should target the PSG attacker.
